The IELTS UK exam is a crucial stepping stone for anyone planning to work, study, or live in an English-speaking country. The exam is an assessment of the individual’s proficiency in the English language. It measures four language skills – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Conducted by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, the IELTS exam in UK is available in two formats – Academic and General Training. Students who are interested in studying in a college or university opt for the former, and those who want to migrate to or work in an English-speaking country take the latter.
A high score in the IELTS exam can open doors to new opportunities such as securing a well-paying job or admission to a prestigious university.
By dedicating time and effort to study, and by taking the necessary steps to prepare for the exam, one can increase their chances of achieving a high score and securing a bright future.
Format of the IELTS UK Exam
The IELTS UK exam lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes, and consists of four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test is conducted in 2 formats — Academic and General Training.
Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are all completed in one sitting, while the Speaking section may either be taken on the same day or up to 7 days before or after the other sections of the exam.
The Listening section lasts for 30 minutes and consists of 4 recorded passages that increase in the level of difficulty. You are required to answer 40 questions based on these passages.
The Reading section lasts for 60 minutes and consists of three reading passages with a total of 40 questions. The Writing section also lasts for 60 minutes where you need to complete two writing tasks. Task one is a 150-word report based on a visual graphic. Task 2 is a 250-word essay.
The Speaking section lasts anywhere between 11 to 14 minutes and consists of three parts: an introductory interview, a short speech, and a discussion. Test-takers are assessed on various parameters like grammar usage, vocabulary, and ability to communicate and express ideas clearly and effectively.
When Can You Take the IELTS UK Exam? Cost of the Exam?
The IELTS UK exam can be taken around the year. There are many authorized test centers in different parts of the world. Test-takers have the privilege to choose the test date and location as per their preference and convenience. You must register for the exam well in advance as test centers may fill up quickly and the availability of seats could become a challenge.
The cost of the exam depends on the location (testing center and the country). Typically, it costs 170 pounds in the UK, but exam fees are always subject to changes and revisions. You must check the website for the latest updates and information regarding the IELTS UK exam fees. Again, in other countries, the cost would vary.
Test centers may also charge extra for rescheduling, late registration, and score reporting.
How to Register for IELTS UK?
To register for the IELTS UK exam, follow the steps given under —
- Find a test center near you by first visiting the IELTS website.
- Once you have zeroed in on the test center, check for available test dates and select one that is most convenient for you.
- Next, create an account in your name on the IELTS website, and complete the registration form. Provide your personal and contact information.
- Choose your test format (Academic or General Training) based on the purpose for which you are taking the test.
- Pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card.
- Once the registration form is submitted and the exam fee paid, you will receive a confirmation by email with details like the exam date, time, and location (as chosen by you).
Who to Contact for IELTS UK Registration?
To register for the IELTS UK exam, you will need to contact the British Council or IDP Education, the two authorized organizations that administer the IELTS exam worldwide. They have test centers in various locations. You can look them up on the official IELTS website.
You can opt for either online or in-person registration at the test center. For any queries or concerns regarding the registration process, exam fee, or the exam per se, you can contact the British Council or IDP Education by phone or email. The contact information for these organizations can be sourced from their respective websites.
At the time of this writing, the IELTS test in the UK is managed by the British Council and Cambridge Assessment English. You can contact the British Council by calling +44 (0)161 957 7755. The support at Cambridge Assessment English can be reached on this email (helpdesk@cambridgeenglish.org).
How to Check IELTS UK Scores?
The IELTS exam scores are typically released 13 calendar days after the exam date. You will receive an email notification when your scores are available to be viewed. To check your IELTS UK exam scores, follow these steps —
- Log into the IELTS online portal with the login credentials you used during exam registration.
- You will be able to view your scores on your account dashboard. The individual scores for each of the four sections along with the overall band score, which ranges from 1 to 9.
- Download the test report. It is an official document that can be used as proof of your language proficiency.
The IELTS scores are valid for up to two years from the date of the exam. If you have any issues or questions, contact the test center where you took the exam for assistance.
